Project Dashboard

Project Overview

Type of application: Amendment

Proponent name:

Julian Aherne

Company:

Trent University

Schedule:

Start Date:

2017-08-20

End Date:

2017-08-31

Operation Type:

Annual

Project Description:

The impact of atmospheric emissions on air quality in the Arctic is expected to increase as new and expanded economic developments trigger growth in marine traffic and resource extraction. Emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can contribute to ecosystem acidification and eutrophication in regions characterized by acid sensitive geology and nutrient poor soils, such as Baffin Island. This project will utilise a critical loads approach to quantify the assimilative capacity of arctic terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Lake water in the Kimmirut, Pond Inlet and Iqaluit regions (~100 sites) will be sampled for chemical analysis. In addition, moss and soil samples will be collected at a sub-set of the study sites (~25 sites) to assess terrestrial ecosystem impacts.

Summary of Modifications:

The study area has been extended to include lakes, moss and soil samples around the community of Pond Inlet. During 2016, the project was submitted to NPC and NIRB, and received permits from NRI and the Nunavut Department of the Environment (Wildlife Research Permit). The project has been resubmitted to NPC, as the study area has expanded to include Pond Inlet. We have also applied to the Nunavut Department of the Environment for a new Wildlife Research Permit.

NORTH BAFFIN QUESTIONAIRE

s3.13.8: The applicant undertakes to prevent any new occurrences of pollution, garbage and contamination at the site of the development.

YES

Removal of Fuel Drums:

s3.13.8: The applicant undertakes to remove all drums safely from the site and dispose of the drums in a safe manner.

YES

New Site Restoration and Clean Up:

s3.13.1 and Appendix H, s1: The applicant undertakes to clean up the site and restore the site to its natural condition to the greatest extent possible.

YES

Old Site Restoration and Clean Up:

s3.13.2: The applicant undertakes to clean up the site and restore the site to its original condition to the greatest extent possible, including any work required due to the applicant's action prior to this application.

YES

Low-Level Air Flights:

Appendix H, s3: Will the applicant avoid all low-level flights?

YES

Caribou Protection Measures:

s3.3.7 and Appendix D: Will the applicant comply with the Caribou Protection Measures outlined in section 2.4.6 and in Appendix D?

YES

Caribou Water Crossings:

s3.3.7 and map: Will the applicant avoid, between may 15 and September 1, to construct any camp, cache any fuel or conduct any blasting within 10 km of any Designated Caribou Water Crossing identified

YES

Polar Bear Denning Areas and Walrus Haul-outs:

s3.3.8: Will the applicant keep its activities away from any polar bear denning area or walrus haul-out?

YES

HERITAGE RESOURCES

Reporting of Archaeological Sites:

s3.11.3 and Appendix H, s2 and s8: Will the applicant immediately report the discovery of all suspected archaeological sites to the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth (GN)?

YES

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Scientific Research:

s3.9.3: Does the project proposal involve scientific research?

YES

If yes, will the applicant integrate all available and relevant local and traditional knowledge when conducting its research?

YES

Consultation with Nunavut Research Institute:

s3.9.5: Has the applicant consulted with the Nunavut Research Institute about research topics that would benefit or interest local residents?

YES

i. Describe the results of your consultation.

During March 2017, a member of the field team visited Iqaluit to present a lecture to Arctic College, and a community seminar through the Nunavut Research Institute (NRI). As a follow-up, we will develop a workshop on moss biomonitoring given its relevance to community-based monitoring. This workshop will be delivered via NRI and Arctic College. During the proposed field visit to Pond Inlet, we also hope to deliver a community seminar focusing on air pollution, lake chemistry and moss biomonitoring, in the context of community-based monitoring.

Local Services and Local Employment:

s3.9.4: Will the applicant rely on local services and employment where possible?

YES

i. Describe the services retained and the people to be employed.

The field team will stay in the community of Pond Inlet to sample moss (Hylocomium Splendens) from foot-accessible sites within the region. The team will engage with community members to discuss the local use of Hylocomium Splendens, and discuss knowledge of it's location. In addition, it is anticipated that the field team will present a community seminar on the use of moss as a biomonitor of atmospheric pollution.

Communication on Scientific Research:

s3.2.8: The applicant will, at minimum, translate a summary of its work into Inuktitut and communicate with communities using language that is clear and non-technical. The results of all scientific re

YES

Add a Topic

TopicComment(s)Recommendation(s)

Add a Response

Your Response

Use of this site is subject to, and your continued use constitutes your express agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use